Guide to Cross-Country Skiing in Edmonton
Experience the cross-country ski scene in Edmonton! Slide into the rhythm of winter wonderland vibes as you strap on your skis and glide through the funky, snow-kissed wilderness within city limits and beyond! With more than 160km of trail magic, Edmonton's river valley and park systems are your ticket to a frosty adventure! Whether you're looking to rent or buy your cross-country skis, we've got the lowdown on where to snag the slickest gear in town.
You Have to Ski it to Believe it
Experience the snow beneath your skis as you race along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Edmonton's stunning river valley provides scenic skiing routes close to the city center. If you want to experience the wilder lands, head just outside the city to Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, and Elk Island National Park. In these areas, you’ll ski along the home ranges of moose, deer, and other large animals. Back in the city, expect to see smaller animals bustling through the trees. Keep an eye out for hares, foxes, coyotes, and perhaps even a great horned owl hiding within the forests of spruce, balsam poplar, birch and alder lining the trails!
Don't have your own set of skis? No problem.
Here are some spots in Edmonton to get your skis:
- Totem Outdoor Outfitters offers cross-country ski rentals for adults and kids alike as well as alpine skis, snowshoes, skates, hockey gear and more.
- Sundance Ski & Snowboard provide a variety of rental packages depending on your skill level and type of ski you require.
- Out of Bounds Snow in south Edmonton has a selection of both standard and high-performance skis you can rent.
- 30 minutes south of Edmonton, Shift Happens Bicycle Repair in Devon has cross-country ski rentals. You can even rent some winter fat bikes here too!
Insider tip: Give yourself lots of time to line up and try on the equipment before you go! Weekends can get busy at rental shops during the winter, so we recommend going in early or during a weekday afternoon to beat the rush.
Rather buy your own?
The above rental shops sell cross-country skis too, but you can also check out other shops in the city:
- Mountain Equipment Co-op has a selection of cross-country ski equipment, plus other gear for winter sports.
- Pacesetter Ski & Snowboard on the west side of Edmonton has experts to help you pick your perfect XC skis.
- The Skier's Sportshop located near the University of Alberta has skiing experts available to help you!
Parks & Trails to Discover
Look no further for some of the best parks & trails in and around Edmonton. Whether you're planning to stay within city limits, or venture a bit further, an afternoon of adventure is closer than you think!
Trails in Edmonton:
- Argyll / Mill Creek - 69 Avenue & 88 Street
- Capilano Park - 10810 54 Street
- Gold Bar Park - 109 Avenue & 50 Street
- Goldstick Park - 50 Street & 109 Avenue
- Hermitage Park - 2115 Hermitage Road
- Kinsmen Park - 91 Avenue & 108 Street
- Riverside Golf Course - Rowland Road & 84 Street
- Rundle Park - 2909 113 Avenue
- Victoria Golf Course & Park- 116 Street & River Valley Road
For information on trail conditions visit the City of Edmonton website, or check out the SkiYEG app (available for IOS or Android).
- Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area - 52365 Range Road 210, Sherwood Park, Alberta (60 km east of Edmonton)
- Elk Island National Park - 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta (48 km east of Edmonton)
- Strathcona Wilderness Centre - 52535 Range Road 212, Ardrossan, Alberta (16 km east of Edmonton)
Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival
Want to take your cross-country skiing to the next level? Consider challenging yourself at the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival this year! You'll experience a thrill as you power through the snowy track with other cross-country skiers and feel the rush as you glide across the finish line! The fatigue only lasts an hour or so, but the sense of accomplishment and appreciation for one of winter’s oldest sports will last forever.
